Making Sarubobo doll

Sarubobo means “monkey baby,” and is the mascot of the Hida Region. Sarubobo dolls were traditionally made by mothers for their daughters as charms blessing happy marriage and smooth birth delivery. Sarubobo dolls also are said to prevent sickness and accident, due to the phonetic pair “saru,” which means both monkey, and prevention.

Flow of experience

Explanation of origins of Sarubobo, and how to make your doll

Sowing head and body, and gluing of the costume

Decorating and finishing your doll

Time required

10 or more people: about an hour
9 or fewer people: about 45 min.

Number of participants

Up to 50 people (multiple rounds can be arranged for larger groups)

Available days

10 or more people: everyday except December 29th through January 3rd (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) 9 or fewer people: everyday except Thursday (facility is closed), and busy season